Sports

01/07/2010

I am always being on the alert for anything involving the generation
called the ‘Greatest Generation.’ I’m 77! No spring chicken. But I am still
making some moderate efforts to keep the body functioning.I swim. Been doing it 4 times a week almost
every week since ’82.

As I enter the facility where I swim, I walk past the basketball court
to get to the locker room. And many times over the past few years there are a
bunch of guys playing a full court game .(We used to call them ‘pick-up games.)
Being a one- time jock I often spend a few minutes as a spectator. The ages are
mostly between about 20 and 35 with one exception. At times there is a man
going up and down that court with a full crop of pure white hair, an
accompanying white mustache and very aged skin. Being an old guy myself I
fixate on him. I often speculated he is probably couple years younger then me.
Even though he lacks the agility he once had, there is no denying the great shape
he is in and he is a pleasure to watch. Each time he is playing, I have seen
the other players paying him a wonderful compliment; they simply treat him as
another player.

Last week I got there an hour later then usual. As I approached the
building the older basketball player fully dressed was leaving. So I had to do
it. I stopped him, excused myself and offered my hand, ‘Hi, I’ve been watching
you play with those young guys

and think you’re great still getting out there. And I am honored to
shake your hand!’

Without hesitation, I got a very firm handshake. With bright blue eyes
and a confident smile, he said, ‘I’m 89, still going and looking ahead!’

Ever since my childhood, that great generation of the 30s continues to
amaze me!!